United Women 4-1 Aston Villa - report

A hat-trick on her debut for Sophie Jones gave United's women's team their first win of the season in a comfortable 4-1 victory against Aston Villa.

Jones' hat-trick alongside Alethea Paul's first goal for the club from the penalty spot ensured Kerri Welsh's goal to equalise in the first half was no danger to the Blades come full-time.

Carla Ward couldn't have asked for a better start as United took the lead inside the first five minutes. A poor pass across the back from a Villa defender presented an opportunity to Jones, the striker promptly made a yard for herself and fired a low effort past Aguirre in the Villa goal.

It wasn't all smooth running for the Blades though as Ward lost two key players to injury inside the first 25 minutes.

Lisa Ryan was stretchered off after just 10 minutes before striker Bex Rayner hobbled off either side of Welsh equalising after some sloppy defending allowed the Villa forward to run through unchallenged and slot beyond Alex Brooks, the goalkeeper making her debut for the Blades.

United remained in control of the match and had more than enough chances to go back in front before Elisha N'Dow brought down Sophie Barker after a run into the penalty area from the middle.

Paul stepped up to send Aguirre the wrong way and join Jones in scoring her first goal for the club from the penalty spot.

Paul was in the action again before the break, playing in substitute Chloe Dixon who saw her effort saved.

The second half saw United remain in control and extend their lead through Jones just five minutes after the break.

The forward picked the ball up just outside the box and curled a brilliant effort into the top corner to establish a two-goal gap.

Jones completed her hat-trick with 20 minutes to go when she slid home in front of an opposing defender to tap home a cross from the right and seal what was a deserved victory for United.